UK business news, economic analysis, market updates, small enterprise features, and coverage of high street trends, startups, and corporate developments.
The government has announced an extension of the windfall tax on North Sea oil and gas producers, raising the levy rate and extending the sunset clause to 2029.
The Bank of England has held the base interest rate at 5.25% for the fifth consecutive meeting, offering some relief to homeowners but signalling caution on inflation.
A major high street retailer has entered administration, putting hundreds of jobs at risk and raising fresh concerns about the future of brick-and-mortar retail in the UK.
A new government grant scheme offering up to £25,000 for small businesses has opened for applications, aiming to boost innovation and job creation in local communities.
UK inflation fell to 2.2% in the year to May, its lowest level in nearly three years, fuelling expectations that the Bank of England could cut interest rates as early as August 2026.
UK high street footfall rose to its highest level in three years in May 2026, driven by improving consumer confidence, falling inflation, and a wave of new store openings across major retail destinations.
The UK inflation rate has fallen to 2.1% in the latest ONS figures, the lowest level in nearly three years, offering relief to households and raising expectations of an interest rate cut.
UK high street footfall has returned to pre-pandemic levels for the first time since March 2020, driven by summer trading, the staycation boom, and consumer confidence improvements.
Small businesses across the UK can now apply for grants of up to £50,000 under a new government digital transformation scheme aimed at boosting productivity through technology adoption.